A Moving Experience

When thinking about senior living options, many older adults and their families want to know firsthand what it was like to move. Beyond the move, they also want to know what life is like as a resident of that community and what the experience is like for family members. Questions like the following often ensue. Was the transition difficult? Did you feel supported by the staff? Were you warmly welcomed and were your needs and preferences respected? Did the community follow through on everything it promised when you first took a tour?

The best way to find answers to these questions is to speak directly with the residents of the community, and their family members as well. Recently, Cal Kaiser, a resident at one of our UMH communities was reflecting on his moving experience and the life he began building in his new home, and he decided to write about it. His thoughts offer an honest look at what it was like to make a move and become a resident. We think you might find it helpful to hear his story.

Cal writes….

Last week I completed my third year of residence at Middlewoods of Farmington. This afternoon I sat in my apartment and reminisced about those three years. I’m so glad we came here to live!

My wife and I lived in Farmington for forty-five years. We raised three children who went through the local school system and then on to three different colleges. They knew about Middlewoods and brought us here to check it out. I visited two other communities in town, but Middlewoods was our unanimous first choice for many reasons: The building and apartments were spacious and clean; the management team was warm, caring and made us feel comfortable; the dining room was lovely and the menu and meals were delightful; and the cost was reasonable.

After moving in we met many of the residents and the balance of the staff. Everyone was very friendly and helped us feel at home in no time. Their interest and support helped make the transition from our home to our apartment easier. Even so, it was a tough transition for my wife.

After two years living at Middlewoods, Doris passed away. Her last three months were not easy for either of us, but what helped us get through such a difficult time was the love and care we both received from everyone on the Middlewoods staff.

Now I participate in the many activities available - lunch outings, trips to the beach and other fun places, bridge games and group events, professional entertainment, movies, and educational programs. And I do them all. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve as the President of the Middlewoods Resident Council. Once a year, on behalf of the Resident Council, I have the honor of presenting a staff member with the Outstanding Employee Award, which is quite a special occasion. I am truly grateful for all the staff at Middlewoods and especially for the leadership and enthusiasm of their management team. I look forward to many more years here at Middlewoods.

To learn more about life in one of our UMH communities, contact us today. We will happily arrange a time for you and/or your loved one and family member(s) to come and chat with our residents and hear their stories. Visit www.umh.org or call 877.929.5321.

About Marissa Salvesen

My journey into the world of senior living began when I started working for United Methodist Homes in 2010. Starting as an Activities Director at one of our-winning assisted and independent living communities and then transitioning to Marketing and Promotions Manager for UMH, I now work as the Manager of Mission Development, fostering the Mission and Values of our organization. I love sharing stories about the many ways we build meaningful relationships and enrich the lives of those we serve, and am proud to be part of building UMH’s 140-year legacy of caring. Wondering what makes our communities such special places to live and work? Connect with me and find out!

Connect with Marissa Salvesen

Our Blog is a 2016 Platinum Generations Award Winner! The Generations Award is an annual international competition for excellence in senior marketing recognizing professionals who have communicated to the 50+ Mature Markets.